Mixed bag on the box this week

TV often gives people 15 minutes of fame, but with Catchphrase (ITV1) they’re not that stingy.

So, as an end-of-week treat, I caught up with the last episode of the aptly named quiz show, but wish I had found the remote before the credits rolled after 45 minutes.

While the concept is consistent, the likeability of contestants is variable, as was shown by the Twitter storm over hyperactive Rebecca, a would-be zoologist-turned-nurse, who shrieked and shook her way to win a holiday to St Lucia.

Such light entertainment might be like-it-or-loathe-it for Sunday night viewing, but I can’t see it making the line-up in the Emmy Awards, to be held in Los Angeles.

Flying the flag from this side of the pond is Sky Atlantic’s Game of Thrones, leading the field with 24 nominations ahead of ITV’s period drama Downton Abbey and BBC2’s historical re-inactment Wolf Hall, both of which have each notched up eight “brownie points.”

Mark Rylance’s standout performance as the all-powerful Oliver Cromwell in Wolf Hall stands legion in the best actor in a mini-series or film category, up against Ricky Gervais in a Derek Special and David Oyelowo fronting the role of Peter Snowden in Nightingale, so, I suppose, there’s no argument as to the winner.

Another boost for Wolf Hall fans sees Rylance’s co-star Damian Lewis in the running as best supporting actor for his role as King Henry VIII.

Results of the “best of British brigade” will be known at the LA bash on September 20, but before then there’s a mixed assortment of “delights” or “duds” coming over the next week or so.

For the out-and-about types there’s a repeat of The Pennine Way (BBC2, Wednesday/ Thursday) while for those who want to let the world drift by don’t miss a two-hour trip down the Kennet and Avon Canal in All Aboard! The Canal Trip (BBC4, Wednesday).

Staying outdoors sees Gabby Logan hosting a big-name line-up (DJ Tony Blackburn, Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph and Corrie’s Wendi Peters among others) in Flockstars (ITV1, Thursday) as they team up with professional sheepdogs to guide sheep and geese around a tricky course.

And if eight weeks of this countryside chaos is too much, make a date with Myleene Klass as she makes sure the bangers don’t get burned hosting BBQ Champ (ITV1, Friday) as eight amateur barbecuers a face a series of fiery challenges.

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